Czech leader expresses hope for visa-free access into EU

Chinese citizens should get visa-free access to the European Union, putting an end to often lengthy current application procedures, according to Czech President Milos Zeman as he concluded a visit to China.

Zeman, the head of one of the EU's 28 member states, said it was important to develop deeper relations between Europe and the world's second-largest economy.

He said a "step by step" approach is needed but he was confident of a successful outcome that would transform travel for millions of Chinese tourists and businesspeople.